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IFA recognizes local business owner for outstanding contributions to franchising

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Sept. 26, 2014 – milliCare by EBC Carpet Services, a specialist in commercial carpet and textile care since 1989, has been honored with the International Franchise Association (IFA)’s Franchisee of the Year award. Chip Rankin, owner of milliCare by EBC, accepted the award during the IFA’s 15th Annual Public Affairs Conference.

Since milliCare by EBC was established as the first milliCare franchisee 25 years ago, Rankin has grown the company’s local operation in Wilmington, DE to five locations serving the Mid-Atlantic region. milliCare by EBC currently cares for 100 million square feet of carpet in more than 800 facilities with a team of 90 employees.

“The milliCare franchise started with EBC, and Chip has consistently served as a role model and leader as our network has grown to more than 80 franchises internationally,” said Tom Ward, milliCare’s franchise network director. “It’s an honor to have Chip and EBC represent milliCare as they accept the Franchisee of the Year award.”

milliCare by EBC prides itself on creating fulfilling careers and an engaging team environment, with some employees celebrating more than 20 years of service with the company. Rankin also ensures EBC gives back to its local communities by donating time and services to organizations such as the Ronald McDonald House and Habitat for Humanity.

“Our culture, client relationships and community service are results of the amazing things good carpet cleaning can do,” said Rankin. “We couldn’t have won this award alone. EBC is supported by the milliCare network of franchisees that can service clients with the same level of care virtually anywhere in the world.”

The Franchisee of the Year Award is a major component of the IFA’s Public Affairs Conference, which brings more than 300 franchise business leaders together in Washington, D.C. to carry the key messages of franchising to lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Franchise owner-operators representing 53 franchise systems were recognized for their outstanding performance and the contributions they have made to enhance the growth and development of franchising.

“The strength of the U.S. economy significantly relies on the hard work of franchisees,” said IFA President & CEO Steve Caldeira, CFE. “IFA is proud to recognize the outstanding efforts of Chip Rankin and milliCare by EBC with the Franchisee of the Year Award and thank them for their work in the promotion of franchising as well as for their daily contributions that not only showcase how local business owners propel the economy, but also foster community ties throughout the U.S.”

About milliCare by EBC Carpet Services

milliCare by EBC is a specialized carpet and textile care provider serving more than 800 commercial business spaces in the Mid-Atlantic region. Since its founding 25 years ago, the company has believed proactive facilities maintenance programs must be linked to superior customer satisfaction.

As a milliCare franchisee, EBC cleans, protects and extends the life of a facility’s investments through proprietary dry care technology and dedicated technician teams. This same level of service is available to clients regionally, nationally and around the world through the milliCare network.

milliCare by EBC has been recognized as Franchisee of the Year by the IFA in 2014, and awarded numerous times for contributions to the milliCare network. To learn more, visit milliCare by EBC online.

About the International Franchise Association

The International Franchise Association is the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. Celebrating 50 years of excellence, education and advocacy, IFA protects, enhances and promotes franchising through government relations, public relations and educational programs. Through its awareness campaign highlighting the theme, Franchising: Building Local Businesses, One Opportunity at a Time, IFA promotes the nearly 18 million jobs and $2.1 trillion of economic activity generated by franchising. IFA members include franchise companies in over 90 different business format categories, individual franchisees and companies that support the industry in marketing, law and business development.